site.btaPresident Radev Urges Swift Action on F-16 Logistics Support Contract

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Rumen Radev recommended the government to sign an integrated logistics support (ILS) contract as soon as possible so that the F-16 aircraft of the Bulgarian Air Force can fly regularly, pilots can train, and the jets' full combat capabilities can be deployed. Radev made the remarks during his visit to the Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Plovdiv on Wednesday. 

The President noted that Bulgaria has had its first F-16 for three months now, yet its flights are few. He pointed out that although the F-16 has powerful combat capabilities, they cannot be fully utilized without solid technical support and regular flight operations. The full package of ground equipment, such as spare parts, consumables, technical documentation, training, and contracted support services was reduced when the F-16 deal was signed in 2019, a decision on which Radev imposed a veto at the time, warning of significant operational difficulties.

The President acknowledged the extensive progress in infrastructure development at Graf Ignatievo but also pointed out delays. "As a former commander of this air base, I’m pleased that modern infrastructure is finally being built here, worthy of a contemporary air force facility," he said. Radev recalled assuming command of Graf Ignatievo 20 years ago, when intensive joint exercises and cooperation with the US Air Force began. Recently, "thanks to that strong partnership, the US has been providing support beyond the contractual obligations to help maintain the aircraft, but that cannot make up for all the missing components, particularly ground support equipment," Radev added.

A week ago, the President also emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the training of F-16 pilots, suggesting that the Pilatus PC-21 could serve as a suitable training platform.